Real Estate Licensing Virginia Real Estate Salesperson Exam - Topic 10 Question 22 Discussion

A latent defect is a hidden defect not readily discoverable by ordinary inspection. Under Virginia law, licensees are responsible for:

Disclosing known latent defects (B, C).

Not concealing or misrepresenting property conditions.

Exercising reasonable care, meaning they may also be liable for defects they should have reasonably known (A).

However, a licensee cannot be held liable for failing to disclose a defect that is:

Unknown to them, and

In an inaccessible location (e.g., behind walls, underground).

Thus, the correct exception is (D).

Reference (Virginia Real Estate):

Code of Virginia 55.1-703 (Property condition disclosures)

Virginia Real Estate Board Regulations 18 VAC 135-20-300 (Standards of Conduct)

A490-02REGS.pdf -- Disclosure requirements